Looking to enjoy tax benefits, special discounts, and permanent residency in Panama? This updated 2025 guide explains how you can secure a residency in just 3 days with the support of our legal team.
The Residency Visa in Panama is a legal pathway that allows foreign nationals to live, invest, or retire in the country. It provides a residence permit and the foundation to build a long/short-term life in the country. With multiple programs available, you can choose the option that best suits your plans.
Moreover, Panama is known for its friendly immigration policies, territorial tax system, and modern infrastructure. In addition, holding a residency card opens the door to financial opportunities, stable living, and access to quality healthcare and education in Central America. It´s also a strong step toward permanent status and even citizenship in the future.
There are multiple legal options to getting residency in Panama. Below are the most popular options.
One of the most popular options is the Panama Residency by Investment. Through this program, you can obtain legal residency by investing in real estate with a minimum value of USD 300,000, a fixed-term bank deposit of at least USD 500,000, or securities worth USD 500,000. Each investment must be maintained for a minimum period of five years.
Investors often enjoy Panama permanent residency benefits, including the ability to apply for citizenship after five years. With a qualifying investment, you may receive your Panama permanent residency card in just 30 days.
Another excellent option is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa, a flexible residency visa program available to citizens of specific countries.
To qualify for this residency, you must demonstrate professional or economic ties with Panama through one of the following options:
An employment offer from a Panamanian company.
A fixed-term bank deposit of at least USD 200,000 for three years.
A real estate investment in Panama of at least USD 200,000.
After holding Panama temporary residency for two years, you can become eligible to apply for permanent residency. This program is one of the easiest ways of getting residency in Panama and offers long-term stability for investors and professionals alike.
Not ready to invest USD 200,000 or place a large bank deposit?
The FNV is the only program that stills offers a third pathway to obtain legal residency in Panama for as low as USD 14,000. Visit our Panama Friendly Nations Visa page for more information.
Alternatively, retirees often choose the Pensionado Visa. By showing proof of a lifetime pension or retirement income of at least USD 1,000 per month, you can apply for Panama residency and enjoy permanent status with exclusive benefits, including discounts on healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and essential services.
In addition, marriage to a Panamanian citizen provides a direct path to permanent resident status in Panama. By submitting a Panama residency application together with your marriage documents, you can obtain Panamanian residency, which may later lead to full citizenship.
There are several additional programs supported by Panamanian immigration law for foreigners who wish to obtain a Panama temporary resident visa or permanent residency in Panama. Depending on your country of birth, civil status, and profession, you may qualify for different residency categories.
Schedule a consultation with our legal team to learn more about your available options.
Before applying, you must meet certain conditions that depend on the program you select. These requirements include proof of income, investment, or family ties, as well as valid identity documents.
Please note that all foreign documents must be translated and apostilled in order to apply for the visa. Our legal team will guide you during this process from the documents gathering until the visa application.
Common requirements include:
A valid passport with sufficient validity
Proof of qualifying investment, employment, or pension, depending on the selected visa category
A recent criminal background check from your home country
Certified civil documents, such as birth or marriage certificates
Completed and signed immigration application forms
One of the biggest myths among expats is the idea of obtaining residency in Panama with only a USD 5,000 investment. This was an old practice used by some Panamanian law firms before August 2021. At that time, foreigners could open a company with USD 5,000 in capital and hire themselves to qualify for permanent residency through the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV). However, this option was officially abolished in August 2021.
Don’t worry, you still have a legal way to get Panama permanent residency without investing a cent, and it’s something few lawyers talk about. Click here to find out how it works.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining a Panama residency remains the same. While specific requirements may vary depending on the residency program, the overall procedure follows a well-defined structure. Below, we outline the key steps typically involved in securing legal residency in Panama.
Under Panamanian law (Decree Law No. 3 of 2008, Article 28), all residency applications must be filed through a licensed immigration attorney. Our Panama immigration attorneys will guide you from the first consultation, making sure every requirement is met, and stay with you until your residency is officially approved.
The next step is to collect the required documents for your residency, such as police clearance certificates, proof of financial solvency, and, if applying with family, marriage and birth certificates. All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. Don’t worry, our team will guide you step by step in obtaining these documents and the necessary apostilles in your home country.
Once your documents have been reviewed and approved by our attorneys, we will schedule your first trip to Panama. You should plan to stay at least three days in Panama City to complete the residency application process. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and have all documents ready for your signature. Within a maximum of three days, we will accompany you to the National Immigration Service to file your application.
Within three days, we make sure your residency application is filed and you receive a provisional residency card valid for six months. During this period, you can either stay in Panama or return to your home country. Once the Immigration Office finishes processing your case, whether it results in a temporary or permanent residency card, our team will notify you and personally accompany you to “Migracion” to collect it.
Warning:The steps outlined above reflect the process carried out exclusively by our attorneys, backed by more than 15 years of experience and a record of 0% visa rejections. Thanks to this expertise, most applications are finalized in just 3 days. Working with traditional firms often results in longer waiting times, and incomplete documentation can significantly increase the risk of delays or even a visa denial.
At Agroup Consulting, we work with top Panama immigration attorneys specializing in the Panama residency visa. With over 15 years of experience, a 0% denial rate, and the trust of more than 100 expats in Panama, our firm delivers trusted services that help you secure residency with complete confidence.
USA
Canada
Portugal
In many cases, you can obtain your temporary residency card within four to six months after submitting your residency application. Upon submission, you will receive a provisional residency card valid for six months, until your official temporary residency card is ready for collection.
Yes, absolutely. Most programs allow you to add your spouse and dependent children under one application. Moreover, doing so simplifies the process and saves time.
No, many options allow you to maintain your resident status while living abroad.
Most residency programs require a minimum investment of USD 200,000, depending on the category.
Yes, Panamanian law requires all residency applications to be filed by a licensed immigration attorney.
Yes, after maintaining your permanent resident status for several years, you can apply for Panamania citizenship.
You can obtain residency in Panama through several visa programs such as the Friendly Nations Visa, the Pensionado Visa, or the Qualified Investor Visa. Most options require you to demonstrate financial stability or an investment in Panama. Once approved, you receive a residency permit that can lead to permanent residency and eventually a Panamanian ID (Cédula E).
Several countries are known for straightforward residency pathways. In 2025, popular options include Panama, Portugal, Mexico, Belize, and Malta. These countries offer residency through investment, retirement, or special programs that are designed to attract foreign residents with relatively simple requirements.
The immigration process in Panama is considered straightforward compared to many other countries. While it requires proper documentation, apostilles, and certified translations, the procedure is generally simple when handled by a licensed Panamanian attorney. Most residency applications are processed efficiently, with approvals typically granted within a few months, depending on the visa category and the completeness of your file.
At Agroup Consulting, we’ve helped hundreds of clients through the Panama residency process, from the first consultation to final residency approval.
Let our team guide you through the legal steps, costs, and requirements so you can focus on building your future in Panama.
